CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County officials have begun the process of applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help fund important road improvement projects in qualifying areas. The grant is offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enhance infrastructure in low- to moderate-income communities.
“We apply every time we’re eligible, and eligibility depends on the closure of any previously funded projects. We just closed out a project on County Road 1490, so we’re now able to submit a new application,” Matt Kinsland, director of Cullman County Economic Development, explained.
To qualify for the CDBG funding, the proposed road improvements must be in areas where at least 51% of households meet HUD’s low-to moderate-income guidelines. That determination requires door-to-door surveying in targeted neighborhoods to collect household data. Staff from Cullman County Economic Development visited homes on County Roads 627, 628, 630 and parts of County Road 702 between Tuesday, June 17, and Saturday, June 20.
Kinsland emphasized that participation and survey data are entirely confidential and used strictly for grant qualification purposes.
“We’re not a reporting agency,” he said. “The information doesn’t get submitted individually. We keep it securely on file for seven years in case of an audit and only submit a compiled spreadsheet without personal data.”
Survey questions include the number of household members, basic demographic information and an income range selection, not specific financial figures. Households are categorized into low, moderate or high income based on HUD standards and household size.
Kinsland said resident participation is vital.
“We have to reach an 80% participation rate among occupied homes,” he noted. “If a household doesn’t respond, we are required to count it as high income, which can disqualify the area from grant eligibility.”
If the grant is approved, the funds will be used to resurface roads and use long-lasting materials that are expected to last up to 10 years.
“There won’t be any additional right-of-way needed,” Kinsland said. “We’ll follow engineering specifications from our road department to ensure long-lasting improvements.”
To ensure safety, all surveys are conducted by identifiable staff, and completed forms are stored securely in the Economic Development office. After the mandatory seven-year holding period, documents are shredded by a certified service. Officials encourage those living in qualifying areas to participate in surveys, as participation plays a crucial role in securing the funding needed for these essential infrastructure upgrades.
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